A Twist of History Buying the Presidency
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Sep 10, 2025 Dive into the tangled history of money and politics in America. Discover how titans like Rockefeller and Carnegie wielded their power until they underestimated Teddy Roosevelt. Explore the rise and fall of monopolies and the community's battle against corporate giants, highlighted by investigative journalist Ida Tarbell's unwavering courage. Hear about a tycoon's bizarre obsession with rare cheeses as he tries to evade legal scrutiny, all while revealing the darker side of wealth and influence.
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Titusville's Loss To Standard Oil
- Ida Tarbell watched Standard Oil's South Improvement Company crush local refineries in Titusville when railroads gave Rockefeller rebates.
- Her father refused to sell while most neighbors accepted Rockefeller stock and the town's oil industry collapsed.
How Trusts Hid Real Monopolies
- Corporate trusts masked monopoly through layers of ownership while appearing as many competitors.
- That structure let companies fix prices, lower wages, and evade real market competition.
Platt's Plot To Neutralize Roosevelt
- Boss Platt maneuvered to place Roosevelt on the 1900 ticket as a way to sideline him politically.
- Roosevelt feared the vice presidency would end his trust-busting career and tried to avoid the nomination.
